Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Prada Launches Kolhapuri-Inspired Sandals with India
Prada, a famous Italian fashion brand, is making special sandals in India.
These sandals are inspired by traditional Indian footwear called Kolhapuri chappals.
Prada will make 2,000 pairs in the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
They will sell each pair for about Rs 84,500.
The sandals will go on sale in February 2026 in Prada stores and online.
Prada faced criticism earlier for copying Indian designs, so now they are working with Indian artisans to make these sandals.
They will also train the artisans and pay them fairly.
Prada is not planning to open new stores in India soon, but they see India as a big market for the future.
Prada will launch a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals, priced at Rs 84,500 per pair.
The sandals will be produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka in collaboration with Indian artisans and state-backed bodies.
The collection will go on sale in February 2026 across 40 Prada stores worldwide and online.
Prada faced criticism for cultural appropriation and has since collaborated with Indian artisan groups for this project.
The partnership includes training programs for local artisans in India and opportunities to train at Prada's Academy in Italy.
- Who
- Prada, Indian artisans, Sant Rohidas Leather Industries, Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR)
- What
- Launch of a limited-edition collection of sandals inspired by traditional Indian footwear
- When
- February 2026
- Where
- Production in Maharashtra and Karnataka, sale in 40 Prada stores worldwide and online
- Why
- To blend local Indian craftsmanship with Italian technology and know-how, and to turn a backlash over cultural appropriation into a collaboration with Indian artisans
- Collection Price
- Rs 84,500 ($930) per pair
- Number of Pairs
- 2,000
- Production Regions
- Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Launch Date
- February 2026
- Sale Locations
- 40 Prada stores worldwide and online
- Partnership Duration
- Three years
- Training Locations
- India and Prada's Academy in Italy
- Luxury Goods Market in India
- $7 billion in 2024, expected to reach $30 billion by 2030
Sources
After Kolhapuri Row, Prada To Launch Rs 85,000 'Made In India' Sandals
Prada to launch $930 ‘Made in India’ sandals after backlash
Prada to launch Kolhapuri-Inspired collection in collaboration with Indian leather agencies
Prada partners with Indian firms for Kolhapuri-inspired collection
Kolhapuri Chappals Can Hit $1 Billion Exports After Prada Deal: Piyush Goyal
Prada signs deal to take Kolhapuri chappals global
Prada Partners With LIDCOM–LIDKAR To Launch Kolhapuri-Inspired Global Luxury Line; 2,000 Pairs To Be Crafted In India
Putting best foot forward, Prada to release limited edition Kolhapuri chappal
2,000 pairs, priced at ₹80k each: After Kolhapuri row, Prada's ‘Made-in-India’ sandals to hit shelves soon
Prada x Kolhapuri chappal: $930 ‘Made in India’ sandals launch set for 2026 after major controversy
Daily Briefing: India, US and the dragon
Prada is making Kolhapuris cool. Limited-edition $930 sandals will roll out in February 2026
